Sentimental Sundays: A soapbox on sweet-smellin' soaps!

It may sound silly to say, but we're crazy for soap. Head over heels for it. In fact, one of us even lives in fear  that gel and liquid soap will someday replace the tried-and-true bar. But as women who like being clean and smelling good, we both appreciate soap in its many forms ~ especially those soaps that are organic, local and sweetly scented.

A few months ago, we attended a green retailer event in front of Lola Coffee in downtown Phoenix. Next to our Ecosaurus booth sat Tracy Perkins, owner of Strawberry Hedgehog. Tracy was selling her delicious handmade soaps, and the aroma emanating from her booth was so wonderful we were tempted to buy several bars despite the fact we were there to sell, not shop.

In addition to wooing our olfactory systems and wallets, Tracy's goods piqued our interest because they are planet- and people-friendly. Strawberry Hedgehog soaps are made with certified organic plant-based oils and pure vegetable-based glycerin, they're gentle on the skin, and they leave no scum on the tub. (And that point of fact matters because few folks get stoked about a soap that cleans the body but dirties the tub, sink or shower.)

We encourage all to support Tracy's soap company, and we especially recommend trying her pure lavender and eucalyptus lime scents. Also, as superfans of soap, we suggest visiting Anthropologie, Sunflower Market and Whole Foods for bars that are natural, big and/or beautiful. And in the realm of the liquid stuff, our primary philosophy involves sticking with just that Philosophy, which is also based in Phoenix. ~J.S. & A.F.